Dharmasthala ‘Burial’ Case: CM Says SIT Chief Mohanty Will Be Replaced if Sent on Central Duty

Bengaluru

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday clarified that IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, currently heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, will be replaced if deputed to central government duty. However, Home Minister G Parameshwara maintained that no official decision has been taken yet regarding Mohanty's status.

Mohanty, who is also the Director General of Police (Internal Security Division), has been included in the Centre’s empanelment list for Director General-rank officers eligible for central postings. This has sparked speculation over a possible replacement.

Responding to media queries, Siddaramaiah said, “If he goes to the central government, he will be replaced.” Parameshwara, meanwhile, dismissed rumours of political interference, stating, “There’s no agenda. The only intention is to ensure a transparent investigation.”

The SIT was constituted to probe serious allegations of rape, murder, and mass burials in Dharmasthala spanning two decades, based on a statement by a former sanitation worker. The complainant claimed to have buried numerous bodies—including those of women and minors—some allegedly showing signs of sexual assault.

The SIT, led by Mohanty, also includes DIG M N Anucheth and IPS officers Soumyalatha S K and Jitendra Kumar Dayama, with 20 personnel deployed from coastal districts.

Parameshwara reiterated that the investigation must proceed without speculation: “Let the SIT complete its work and submit the report. We want only the truth to come out.”